Milk banks?

[Peach]

Donating to a milk bank was recently mentioned on this forum, and I would love to do just that. Right now, I'm tandem nursing, but when these guys ease off a bit, I may be able to pump and donate. I've known some families whose kids were desperate for human milk.

Where do I find out about nearby milk banks and how to donate?

[Bladestar5]

Great it is wonderful to know that someone wants to give their "liquid gold" to those who need it so badly. I would recommend calling your local hospital, or Leleche league. I have not looked online yet, but if you try surfing, I am sure there is some info available! GOOD LUCK

[Peach]

I *am* the local La Leche League--it's a small town, and there are only 2 of us.
I'll try the nearest big city, though.

Has anyone else ever donated?

[RileysMom]

Re: Milk banks?

Originally posted by Peach
Donating to a milk bank was recently mentioned on this forum, and I would love to do just that. Right now, I'm tandem nursing, but when these guys ease off a bit, I may be able to pump and donate. I've known some families whose kids were desperate for human milk.

Where do I find out about nearby milk banks and how to donate?

Here is the North American site HMBANA for milk banks.

We worked closely with one for my dd, who was born extremely premature.

Please don't be put off by the fact that the milk banks charge moms for the milk they recieve. Our insurance covered the cost (as does medicaid) and the milk banks definitely do NOT make a profit.

Bless you!! If you have any questions or anything, pm me!

[lilyka]

I have donated before and it was truely a blesing to me. Here are a few tips about getting in touch with a milk bank

1. They are sadly understaffed. Don';t be offended if they don't call you back. Call them back. Keep calling until you get someone on the line. They just might not have time to call you back.

2. if you get denided (and they will deny you for some very little reasons) don't be offened and don't giove up. One milk bank may deny you but another may accept you. If they still can't take your milk, keep serching. I had a list of adoptive moms who wanted my mik when I had too much for the milk bank.

3. In the mean time store milk in disposable containers. hard sided containers are best but bags will do. (if you use bags, zip lock freezer bags work best. bottle bags just suck.) Mark all containers with the date, amount and your name.

good luck finding a place to donate!!

[RileysMom]

Another thought.....the milk banks do have to go by stringent rules. For example, the one I worked with in Austin would not accept milk that was pumped before a mom was accepted to the program. But I was in desperate search of milk and actually got some from the milk bank some from moms that I knew.

If you hook up with some folks at LLL and let it be known you have some to share, there are probably moms who would so very gladly use it.

(In addition to dd being a preemie, I had a breast reduction surgery and had to work really really hard to have a supply. Alot of moms who had that surgery have to find some way to supplement. I know quite a few moms who are bfaring <bfing after reduction> and would consider any donated milk pure gold. Let me know if you can't find any banks or individuals to donate to and I'll try to hook you up with someone in your area.....)

[Peach]

The one in Austin seems to be closest to me--but none of them is close. Do you have to be close to donate?
Dh volunteers his plane and time for organizations that fly medical missions: people needing transportation to a far-away hospital. I believe they also transport human milk to and from banks. Is milk ever shipped, or do people like dh fly it around?

[RileysMom]

They fed ex it with dry ice.....I believe for donor moms, they provide all the supplies and pick up.....

You should give them a call, they're really nice

[lilyka]

I am in South Dakota and donated to Colorado and California. All I ever had to do was pick up dry ice (which they would remburse me for) and call UPS and they did the rest. Oohhh, I also had to put stickers on the box which was dds job. There is something all together too satisfying about shipping out a box plastered with stickers that say "Human Milk"

Rieleys mom - I was denided this time because I take a thyroid supplement (which doesn't go throug to my milk). I have about 60ounces ready to go. Do you know anyone who wants it?

[Peach]

Just one more question, I promise

I don't have anything but a hand pump right now. Would a bank reimburse me if I bought one or send me one, or should I just get one and write it off my taxes?

Whic pumps do you recommend? I haven't done much pumping.

[RileysMom]

Originally posted by Peach
Just one more question, I promise

I don't have anything but a hand pump right now. Would a bank reimburse me if I bought one or send me one, or should I just get one and write it off my taxes?

Whic pumps do you recommend? I haven't done much pumping.

I don't think a bank will reimburse you for one. My insurance paid for mine.... I had the Medela pump in style and really liked it. I also used a hospital grade medela...lact-something I think. That one was also fine. (But the pump in style was just as good in my opinion)

[lilyka]

I used an Avent Isis and got just as much with that as I did with a pump in style. Sometimes a milk bank will let you barrow one but you have to commit to a certain amount of milk a day (bout 4 ounces)

[Peach]

I have the Isis somewhere--I'll dig it out and see how it works.

Thanks again for the pointers!